Perusing the Beeld website at 4:30 am, as I’m wont to do, I came across a rather speculative story that, while annoyingly light on actual detail, nevertheless seems somewhat plausible. In this piece, Pieter Jordaan speculates that former Sharks flyhalf Butch James may be looking at an imminent return to Durban.
Now, the only basis for this rather outlandish claim seems to be two rather throwaway statements. In the first, Lions CEO Ruben Moggee apparently told Jordaan directly that the Lions “would support Butch in any decision he makes should he receive other offers between now and the end of the year, given that his contract hasn’t been extended for next year”. Jordaan goes on to allege that the Lions have docked something in the region of R100k of James’s pay packet as a result of his recent suspension. That’s a pretty clear case of giving the player a very strong message that you want him to leave, in my books, if not verging on constructive dismissal.
The second quote seemed far more innocent and was apparently made by John Plumtree to another journo, Christo Buchner. Basially, without anything to indicate the context behind the statement (such as what the question was that he was replying to), Plumtree is reported to have said that “if the Lions should release him (James), we would naturally be interested in him”. The Sharks, of course, find themselves a little thin at flyhalf ahead of this year’s Currie Cup, with neither Super Rugby pivot Pat Lambie nor Freddie Michalak expected to be available. Riaan Viljoen is being looked at as an option, but the wildly inconsistent player may prove something of a gamble in that position.
Now, the leap of faith that’s been taken here is to assume that a throwaway statement of interest from Plumtree could in any way lead to a binding offer form employment from the notoriously budget-conscious Rudolf Straeuli. For all we know, negotiations could already be well under way for just such a move to take place, but what is far more likely is that this is all just opportunistic talk with no substance behind it.
What is true, I fear, is that Butch James’s goose is cooked in Johannesburg, which is a bit of a pity given all the fanfare surrounding his signing last year – remember that stunt that Gumede and co pulled at Lanseria Airport? Whether or not the Sharks would be prepared take him on for another season, or maybe even just 6 months, remains to be seen.
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Aaah, I never believe ANYTHING I read in The Beeld…rate its all a bunch of hewwy
I don`t think Butch would go to the Sharks.
He`ll only get game time when our bokke isn`t available.
It could help us, if Michalak isn`t available of course but I don`t see it happening.
NO!! 👿 True or not, I’m tired of ‘ou toppies’ running around taking opportunities away from the youngsters.
I was a huge James fan, one of my favourite players ever….until he moved to the Lions. Then i was totally put off him. Kind of like Liverpool fans towards Owen. I know its part of the professional era and moving to another team is good business, but it just rubbed me the wrong way.
However, I think Im prepared to welcome him home and forgive and forget.
interesting though that when James Small moved to WP, he still remained a huge favourite to me and it was more a disappointment than a betrayal.
Butch had his best days, he is a shell of the player he use to be and a walking yellow card. He had 2 decent games at the Lions and that’s it. If he wants to go I won’t cry
I for one would always be happy to see Butch back in black and white. 😆 He would be a great fit for our Curry Cup team
I don’t think we really need him, but am a bit worried about the prospect of Riaan Viljoe at 10 in the Currie Cup.
@robdylan (Comment 7) : Here`s my guess :
McLeod, Mvovo, Bosman, Whitehead, Jordaan, Odwa, Ludik.
I don’t know how I should feel about this. Butch has experience aplenty, something youngster could benefit from. And he is dependable. Riaan Viljoen makes me gnash my teeth if he restarts a game or kicks a penalty to touch. To inconsistent to my liking.
But on de udder hand, Darren…..the Sharks must now invest in their youngsters. I would MUCH rather see somebody like Zeilinga given a chance from the bench behind Meyer Bosman.
I wouldn’t mind have Butch back. Mentor the youngsters coming through. one of my favourite players and would be really nice to see him finish his career at the Tank
butch is finished, he must just retire or go do a coaching course. he will add nothing to any team.
@Original Pierre (Comment 8) : Mvovo at flyhalf?
@robdylan (Comment 7) : I can’t say I am comfortable with that either.
if it comes down to a vote between Meyer Bosman or Tjoppie Viljoen for flyhalf in the Currie Cup, Meyer gets my vote 11 times out of 10.
That Whitehead/Jordaan centre combo is going to carve outside a big flyhalf who likes to take the ball up.
Let’s hope Meyer brings his kicking boots, though.
@robdylan (Comment 12) : ok, but even though I’m sure you meant to have Mvovo at wing, not flyhalf, I’m not sure why you think he’ll be playing Currie Cup rather than being in the Bok squad for TRC
@robdylan (Comment 15) : HM’s love child….Basson 🙄
All together now….Kick and? 💡
@robdylan (Comment 12) : No on the wing with MB flyhalf.
I`m a bit worried about Viljoen as well.
Can`t seem to forget the silly way in which he conceded possession when caught alone at the back in stead of just kicking out.
@robdylan (Comment 15) : Heyneke already has Habana and Basson, why take Mvovo?
If he goes with the Bokke we could be in a spot of trouble on the wing or even center.
Plumtree might move Jordaan to the wing to accommodate MJ ?! 😯
@Original Pierre (Comment 18) : Quickly…delete your comment before Plum gets any ideas 😐
@Original Pierre (Comment 18) : it will be a 30-man squad at least… 4 wings.
NO! No more toppies!!! We have Meyer, Riaan, Paul who can all play FH!! WP can have Butch
@Die Kriek (Comment 21) : And we have Gouws! Future star there as well, why would we want Butch?
No thanks. Butch like Marius Joubert had his day. The Sharks should no longer run the union like a retirement home or a medical holiday centre.
NO, NO, NO!
Enough of the over-the-hill players already!
I’d rather we play a fully fit and motivated youngster in the Currie Cup, what better preparation for next year’s Super 15 (seeing as this campaign is virtually written off, again).
There are some serious problems with the Sharks’ recruitment and player retention.
“Sharks won’t block Plum’s depature”…who love to see this title.